NEWS

TEAM NEWS 3 FEBRUARY 2012: Pietro Fantin will join Carlin’s championship winning team for the 2012 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series.   Fantin is already a race winner in the series, following a victory at Rockingham in his rookie season in 2011.  Fantin joins Carlos Sainz Jnr, Harry Tincknell and Jack Harvey who have already been announced as members of Carlin’s 2012 F3 squad.

Fantin made his racing debut in various karting championships in Brazil before competing in Formula Three Sudamerica.  Despite only taking part in nine events during the 2010 season, Fantin took three race wins and five podiums in his first season of car racing.

Fantin already has a season of British F3 experience under his belt, having taken three podiums including an impressive race win at Rockingham in 2011.  The 18 year-old finished eighth in the championship standings in his rookie season.

Fantin will now be hoping to follow in the wheel tracks on his compatriot and friend Felipe Nasr, in becoming F3 champion for Carlin.

Fantin said, “I’ve really enjoyed winter testing with Carlin so far.  I’m sure the team will do a good job developing the new F3 car with the great staff and resources they have and with four great team mates, I know we will generate a lot of useful information on the new chassis.

“I’m extremely glad now to drive for the best team in the pit lane and I don't have any other goals for the season other than winning the championship, and I'm sure that with Carlin I can achieve that. I will have four excellent team mates and drivers from other teams who will also be chasing the title but I know by working hard myself and with my engineer I will be able to fight for victories from the start.”

Trevor Carlin added, “Pietro quite clearly developed a lot as a driver in 2011 and we see him as a potential contender for the title this season.  His performance in the Carlin car in testing has so far been very encouraging and he has made a huge amount of progress already.  I’m really looking forward to seeing him develop further and showing us his true potential in 2012.”